KDHE Office of Vital Statistics

The Office of Vital Statistics receives and preserves vital records for
events (births, stillbirth, deaths, marriages,
and divorces) which occur in Kansas. The Office maintains more
than 10 million vital records, adding approximately 100,000 new records annually. Over 360,000
certified copies of these records are issued to eligible requestors annually. The records
maintained by this office are necessary for individuals to carry out day-to-day business
such as obtaining passports, enrolling in schools, sports participation, starting new jobs,
qualifying for subsidized housing, collecting life insurance benefits, and transferring
property.

Eligibility:Birth, stillbirth,
death, marriage,
and divorce records (vital records) in
Kansas are not public records. Certified copies of vital records
are released to the person named on the record, immediate family,
a legal representative, or anyone who can prove a direct interest,
such as a named beneficiary or someone who jointly owns property
with the person whose record is requested. The record must be necessary
for the determination of personal or property rights. Proof of legal
representation, direct interest, or written authorization is required
if the requestor is not named on the record or an immediate family
member.